More brains to fight crime

Sookhai, in a somewhat sombre mood, prefaced his remarks by lamenting the murder of PC Nyasha Joseph, whose body was found stuffed in a crocus bag and dumped in the Gulf of Paria on Wednesday.

“With a heavy heart I must firstly extend condolences to the family and friends of WPC Nyasha Joseph whose body was found earlier today,” Sookhai said. He said women in TT are under attack as, “news of violence committed against them” are being reported on an almost daily basis. He said the nation’s menfolk must “take a stand to start protecting our women and loved ones.” Regarding politicians, Sookhai said, “they must stop playing the blame game and start focusing on protecting our people.” “More manpower in the police force may not be the solution, but I strongly believe we need more brain power,” Sookhai said. He said forensic science is key to solving crime and called for a national database for sex offenders to be established. “DNA from these individuals must be recorded which can be used to easily identify them. Make them feel ashamed for what they have done and label these individuals forever,” he said.

Sookhai said the Chamber is working “diligently and assiduously” with Central Police Division head Snr Supt Kenny McIntyre to address crime in the central borough. He also touched on the local banking sector saying while it was not his intention to “demonise” banks, there are a number of unfair practices by banks such as high bank charges and the disparity in interest rates.

“Our aim is not to demonise the banks, but these are pertinent issues, as some of these practices contribute in making our businesses and by extension our economy uncompetitive.

Ladies and gentlemen, in these harsh times, banks continue to declare super profits,” Sookhai said.

“We hope to have meaningful conversations with banks. Discovering ways to help them mitigate risk which can possibly lead to reducing in some service charges, especially to the less fortunate in our society,” he said.